Building an M1A

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Originally Posted by Shomway

Sorry to say, your timing is off by a few years.
About 4 years ago Dupage was selling USGI M14 parts kits(everything except barrel, receiver, and bolt) for $400 and picked up one that was all H&R.
At the same time Bula had a sale on their barreled receivers with bolt for $700. Was able to pick up one of these with a medium weight match barrel.
So, was able to build a M14 style rifle for a little over $1100
I don't mean to rub it in......

I only got into the firearms hobby in the last 6-7 years. it's a problem because I'm an engineer so I'm fascinated with the technology. I'm interested in history so there's that bit. I also am very much satisfied by building things.

Sadly, I have to beg borrow and steal from the boomers who bought all of the good stuff long ago.

[nf1e]

Sure was nice when the USGI M-14 kits were here and available.

[YahooMarine]

A few years ago I picked up one of the Dupage kits but was on the second round for $500 I recall. Fulton then had one of their holiday sales for 10% off so I went with their barreled receiver. The Dupage kit was mostly Win and I asked Fulton if they had a Win bolt in lieu of the their bolt and for a bit more they included it.

The FultonWin went together easily and it worked well on the first outing.

So, my total cost for the build was about $1,600 for a really nice looking M14 type rifle. I did not repark anything so it has a used look. It has been reliable and as accurate as one would expect from a parts kit. Not match quality but a great every day range rifle.

It is not my best M14 but because I put it together myself it is cherished.

I watch the Fulton sight for holiday sales but have not seen one for over two years now.

Rich

[Whipped cream head]

I'm in the same boat you are x 2. Everyone posting before me has been pretty much right on $$$$ wise. I'm going the "economy" route (makes me laugh) with a Fulton receiver I just got. Four days from order to in my hands, but that's another thread. Went with a SAI NM barrel w/200 rounds through it for $200 from another forum member. A reclaimed bolt from ARMOR1SGRET for a buck ten. You can do your own build for around 2k. Give or take. If you want to narrow your focus, to say, all GI parts or NM or higher competition level, open the check book up. I initially intended a much simpler build with my incoming LRB and that went out the window real fast. You can push 4k easy. Just wait till you put glass on it. But open sights, some commercial parts, not trigger groups though, GI stock, you can do for under 2k. Sometimes the value is in doing. You'll shoot that rifle more than any others.

Lifes too short to shoot an ugly rifle!

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Originally Posted by Whipped cream head

I'm in the same boat you are x 2. Everyone posting before me has been pretty much right on $$$$ wise. I'm going the "economy" route (makes me laugh) with a Fulton receiver I just got. Four days from order to in my hands, but that's another thread. Went with a SAI NM barrel w/200 rounds through it for $200 from another forum member. A reclaimed bolt from ARMOR1SGRET for a buck ten. You can do your own build for around 2k. Give or take. If you want to narrow your focus, to say, all GI parts or NM or higher competition level, open the check book up. I initially intended a much simpler build with my incoming LRB and that went out the window real fast. You can push 4k easy. Just wait till you put glass on it. But open sights, some commercial parts, not trigger groups though, GI stock, you can do for under 2k. Sometimes the value is in doing. You'll shoot that rifle more than any others.

Lifes too short to shoot an ugly rifle!

I would really like to do one. . .but the reality is that my range habits don't support the size of my collection. I run in streaks building a lot of things from my scavenger hunts. I currently have probably a dozen projects that need parts/attention and $10k between me and completing them.

I am also starting to think I'm out over my skis a bit on the size of my collection. I don't really want to sell it off, but I have no good reason for having the stuff I have. I can't imagine some of the people on this forum with hundreds of firearms to their collection. At some point, a full safe and pallet of ammo of various calibers starts to look more like 10 years of family vacations to my wife. The hobby probably needs to revert to more window shopping and enjoying what other members are doing.

[Whipped cream head]

Know exactly what you mean. My general parameter on this is if I haven't handled it or used it in the last 2 years, it goes. It's a place to start. If you need a little encouragement, I bought a used Marlin 336 35 Rem. 25+ years ago for $275. Been a safe queen ever since. One very similar to it just sold for $993. I listed it yesterday. It was over $500 in 4hrs, 9 days to go. Sometimes it's good to shed some stuff and get back to basics. M-14 basics. 😎. And take your honey on vacation!

Lifes to short to shoot an ugly rifle!

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Originally Posted by Whipped cream head

Know exactly what you mean. My general parameter on this is if I haven't handled it or used it in the last 2 years, it goes. It's a place to start. If you need a little encouragement, I bought a used Marlin 336 35 Rem. 25+ years ago for $275. Been a safe queen ever since. One very similar to it just sold for $993. I listed it yesterday. It was over $500 in 4hrs, 9 days to go. Sometimes it's good to shed some stuff and get back to basics. M-14 basics. 😎. And take your honey on vacation!

Lifes to short to shoot an ugly rifle!

That's a good heuristic. One problem I have is that I have several home builds with no market value taking up space. They were not cheap to construct, but wouldn't be easy or economical to unload. I've got some regret on those. . .particularly for cases where I built more than one of the same thing. They're just gonna be sunk cost taking up space I guess.

[YahooMarine]

Look at this... https://www.fulton-armory.com/index.aspx

Perhaps a good deal for a receiver and parts. I have not seen this offer in over two years.

Rich

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Originally Posted by YahooMarine

Look at this... https://www.fulton-armory.com/index.aspx

Perhaps a good deal for a receiver and parts. I have not seen this offer in over two years.

Rich

Ahh, man. I literally bought a carbine stock and a bunch of parts from them on Tuesday.

[Ma Deuce]

Watch the LRB web site they have been putting up M-14 kits lately,they are offering kits with everything including the barrel bolt ,gas cylinder for $1,099.00 up to $1199.00, depending on condition.You buy the One for $1099.00 then buy a Fulton Armory Reciever in this 10% off sale and you can come in with a complete military build rifle for around $1700.00, which is a great price these days.You just have to keep an eye on there site or maybe give them a call.Sometimes they list 6 or 7 different kits at different prices ,depending on condition.All you need is a reciever after you buy the current kits offered .I have bought many kits from them .I bought 3, about 8 or 9 months ago i think for 5 or $600.00 but had to buy a barrel,Bolt and gas cylinder with those.But all three kits were beautiful.https://www.lrbarms.com/m14-parts.html